Oppression
Noun
Systematic mistreatment of particular individuals. Oppression is not just an isolated incident. Rather, it is a complex system of power, sustained and pervasive beliefs, laws or policies, behaviors, and feelings. In the U.S., there are many forms of often interlocking oppressions: racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, anti-Semitism, ableism, etc. Because we possess many layers to our identities, we may experience oppression in one or some of our identities, and privilege in others.
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Adapted from UMass Medical and UMassMemorial Health Care’s Diversity + Inclusion, Diversity Toolkit and Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center